Team Effort Pays Off For Local Kindergarten Children

Manchester
Kindergarten is opening its new playground in grand style. A
pōwhiri to welcome and thank contributors and special
guests will form the official part of the celebrations
planned for September 11.

The new outdoor environment is
reward for many years of dreaming, planning and fundraising.
Kindergarten children, whānau, past committee members who
contributed to fundraising efforts, members of the
neighbouring school community, playground builders, the
Feilding Mayor, and other friends of the Ruahine
Kindergarten Association (RKA) have all been invited to
celebrate the achievement.

With plans dating back to
2008, the playground came to fruition at the start of Term
Three, instantly proving the hard work was worth it. The
area provides the kindergarten children a vast amount of
space and resources to test their physical abilities and
creativity. Establishing new gardens have supported the
children’s experience of sustainability, understanding
where their food comes from and enabled them to participate
in the Tui Garden Challenge. A strategic approach from the
RKA towards dealing with compliance and safety issues
supported the creation of a safe and fun environment.
Fundraising efforts saved from the past four years also made
the massive project possible, including cake stalls, the
Backyard Bounty gardening event, a cooking demonstration
with Simon Holst and various raffles.

Pōwhiri
preparations have including working with RKA bi-cultural
advisors, Warren and Everlyne Chase, who have helped the
kindergarten with understanding the tikanga and procedures
involved. A Māori blessing will be given by Father Chris
from Hato Paora College, followed by shared kai.

Manchester Kindergarten is very excited to finally share
their awesome new space with the community.

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